Advice on Choosing Between Civil and Mechanical Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process of a first-year Civil Engineering student contemplating a switch to Mechanical Engineering. Participants explore the implications of different degree paths, including a BEng in Civil Engineering versus a BSc in Mechanical Engineering followed by a Master's degree. The conversation touches on factors such as time, cost, and career prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to continue in Civil Engineering or switch to Mechanical Engineering, noting that both fields have their advantages and disadvantages.
  • Another participant suggests that the decision is personal and depends on the individual's career aspirations.
  • A participant questions the main differences between the two degrees and their respective career opportunities.
  • Some participants argue that a Master's degree is generally considered "better" than a Bachelor's degree, assuming time and cost are not limiting factors.
  • It is noted that the BEng program will take approximately 5 years, while the BSc + MS path could also take about 5-6 years but at a lower cost.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of deciding whether to stay in Civil Engineering or switch to Mechanical Engineering, suggesting that this choice will influence the degree path.
  • A later reply reiterates the need to consider the major decision as critical to the overall academic and career trajectory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the decision hinges on whether to remain in Civil Engineering or switch to Mechanical Engineering. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the value of the degrees and the best path forward, leaving the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention factors such as accreditation status of the universities and financial implications, but these aspects remain underexplored and may influence the decision-making process.

Mr. Aviator
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Hello,

I am a first year Civil Engineering student.
I am not sure if I want to continue Civil or switch to Mechanical. I like them equally, both have their pros and cons. My current university offers a 5 year (150 credits) BEng program in Civil and Mechanical , another local university offers a BSc in mechanical engineering (108 credits). If I am to switch to Mechanical, which path do you advise me to go through?
Stay at my current university and do a BEng in 5 years or transfer to the other university, get a BSc in Mechanical in 3 years and continue masters.
The total tuition fees at my current university for a BEng (150 credit) is more than the BSc(107)+MS(52) at the other university. So basically, with the same price that I will pay for a BEng, I can obtain a BSc+MS. which degree is better?

Cheers!
 
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It seems like a personal decision. It depends on what you want to do with it.
 
Well, I really don't know the main difference and what can be done by either. Any help would me much appreciated.
 
If we are to compare an MS degree to a BEng, what do think would be better to achieve? which degree has better chances of employment? which one is more usable in your career?
 
It depends on how much time it will take, the cost etc. If that is not a factor, then obviously a Master's degree is "better" than a Bachelor's.
 
Well, the BEng (150 credits) will most probably take around 5 years. The BSc (108 credits) + MS(52 credits) can be done in 5-6 years as well. So time wise they both are equal. Financial wise, the BSc+MS will cost less than the BEng by around $10k.
Note: The university offering the BEng is very close to accreditation, while the other is not.
So what do you advise?
 
I would definitely advise doing the Master's degree instead of a BEng, if they take the same time and if the Master's degree takes less money. Even if it did not, I would advice doing the Master's.

The most important problem here is that do you want to switch to mechanical engineering, or stick with civil engineering? If you want to stay will civil, then you have no choice but to do the BEng (does any other university offer a 5 year BS + MS civil eng course). If you want to switch to mechanical, then I would advise you to do the Master's degree.
 
Absolutely, the problem here is the major whether to stay civil or move to mechanical. I think I'll have till mid of summer to decide.. Thank you for the advice, I'll take it into consideration.
 

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